CBS has revealed the identities of the 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season, which will premiere with a special two-hour episode on Sunday, September 27 at 8PM ET/PT.
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In addition to the first-ever contestant with Asperger's Syndrome, the cast also includes two members of the Harlem Globetrotters, a team of professional female poker players, and a former Miss America winner.
The 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season made stops in eight countries over the course of 21 days, and their journey is being billed by CBS as "one of the fastest courses ever assembled" for the long-running reality series.
"This season we wanted to keep the racers and our fans on their toes and make sure no one gets too comfortable," said The Amazing Race co-creator and executive producer Bertram van Munster.
The Amazing Race's fifteenth season also features one of the show's quickest eliminations ever -- as one team is sent home before they even leave the starting line at the Los Angeles River.
In addition, the show's upcoming installment will include a "Switchback" that sent teams back to the site of one of the series' most infamous "Roadblocks," a surprise appearance by one of America's most beloved entertainers, a visit to the world's tallest building, and a twist on a Japanese game show.
"Have you ever seen Japanese tourists following a tour guide with a little flag? Well, our contestants are going to be the tour leaders," van Munster told The Associated Press, adding the teams complete several tasks in Tokyo.
"Each team is going to have to run a group of 20 tourists through the center of Tokyo as fast as they can. Whoever brings their entire tour group to the Pit Stop first will be the number one team."
The 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season -- and their CBS-supplied profile information -- are:
 "Teammates" Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "The Big Easy" Lofton
Herbert is a 32-year-old from Brinkley, AR. Nathaniel is a 28-year-old from New Orleans, LA. Both are Harlem Globetrotters. CBS says: Their athletic talent brought these two friends together five years ago when they met at the Harlem Globetrotters training camp. Herbert, aka "Flight Time," stands at 6'3" and believes he can get along with anyone on the planet. Nathaniel goes by the name "The Big Easy" and towers over his competition at 6'9." |
 "Engaged Couple" Lance Layne and Keri Morrione
Lance is a 41-year-old lawyer from Salem, MA. Keri is a 33-year-old finance manager from Peabody, MA. CBS says: Lance and Keri have known each other for over two years. Lance proposed six months ago and they are planning to be married this fall. Lance, a black belt in Karate, has an uber-aggressive personality and does not shy away from confrontation. Keri admits to getting frustrated when he interrupts her and fails to listen to her input, but Lance insists that he is always right and does not need to listen. |
 "Professional Poker Players" Maria Ho and Tiffany Michelle
Maria is a 26-year-old from Arcadia, CA. Tiffany is a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, CA. Both are professional poker players. CBS says: These two professional poker players have been friends for over five years and have been going head-to-head at the tables the entire time. From Vegas to Monte Carlo, both have been the last females standing in a male-dominated sport on more than one occasion. Well traveled, extremely competitive and strong-minded, these savvy players can deal with the cards they are dealt and will not be afraid to battle to the end. |
 "Married Yoga Teachers" Eric and Lisa Paskel.
Eric is a 41-year-old and Lisa is a 43-year-old. Both are yoga studio owners and instructors who currently reside in Encino, CA. CBS says: Eric and Lisa have been married for over 18 years. Both are vegans, who have a passionate and fiery approach to their personal and professional lives, and are extremely dedicated to helping others. |
 "Father/Son" Gary and Matt Tomljenovich
Gary is a 47-year-old construction manager and mortgage banker from Laurel, MT. Matt is a 22-year-old student from Bozeman, MT. CBS says: Gary is a PC and Matt is a Mac. Gary enjoys hunting and Matt enjoys video games. Gary enjoys classic rock and Matt enjoys metal. This father and son duo do not have a lot in common and they never have... that is why they are running the RACE. They are eager to share the experience of a lifetime with one another and establish a bond for the rest of their lives. |
 "Friends" Zev Glassenberg and Justin Kanew
Zev is a 26-year-old from Sherman Oaks, CA who is currently unemployed. Justin is a 30-year-old VP of development for National Lampoon from Los Angeles, CA. CBS says: Zev and Justin's friendship started six years ago when they were working as camp counselors and the two have been very close ever since. Zev has Asperger's Syndrome, but they do not let it affect their relationship. They share friends and interests, and the friendship is as mutually beneficial as any friendship could be. |
 "Dating On-and-Off Couple" Garrett Paul and Jessica Stout
Garrett is a 28-year-old day trader from Aptos, CA. Jessica is a 27-year-old freelance editor from Larkspir, CA. CBS says: One word to describe this Team is passionate. Garrett and Jessica met while in Barcelona on a study exchange program and have been dating on and off for seven years - during which time they have had three major breakups. Jessica is used to addressing issues head-on, while Garrett opts to ignore her, shying away from confrontation. |
 "Dating Couple" Marcy Maloy and Ronald Shalita
Marcy is a 60-year-old advertising photographer. Ronald is a 59-year-old stock trader and math tutor. Both reside in San Francisco, CA. CBS says: Marcy and Ron both believe that at 60 you can be strong, sexy, vibrant and energetic. After meeting on an online dating website, they are looking forward to sharing the intense experience that the RACE can provide and hope this helps determine whether their relationship is destined to last. Both are exceptionally fit, have great people skills and high energy. |
 "Newly Dating Couple" Mika Combs and Canaan Smith
Mika is a 22-year-old aspiring singer who previously appeared on Fox's short-lived The Hills-like Nashville reality series. Canaan is a 26-year-old professional songwriter. Both resides in Nashville, TN. CBS says: These southern sweethearts will charm you with their fresh faces and wide eyed enthusiasm for life. They have only been dating for a few months, but admit to spending every waking hour together since they fell in love. Mika grew up in Hazard, Ky. and moved to Nashville, Tenn. two years ago to pursue a career in country music. Canaan is a professional songwriter. |
 "Brothers" Daniel and Samuel McMillen
Daniel is a 21-year-old student from Liberty, MO. Samuel is a 23-year-old student from Fort Worth, TX. CBS says: Brothers for 21 years, Sam and Dan will tell you that their relationship did not truly start until last summer when they both came out and told each other that they were gay. While growing up, neither one of them felt comfortable coming out, but after doing so, they have discovered a new bond with one another and have become much closer. |
 "Dating Couple" Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney
Meghan is a 23-year-old account executive. Cheyne is a 23-year-old student. Both reside in San Diego, CA. CBS says: Meghan and Cheyne met on a grade-school tetherball court. Ten years later, they became a couple and have been going strong ever since. Other than a six-month period, where Meghan studied abroad in Italy, this couple is nearly inseparable. |
"Married Couple" 
